Day: May 17, 2016

Russian President Vladimir Putin skates during a training session of participants of the Night Ice Hockey League in Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi, Russia, January 6, 2016. Photo: Aleksey Nikolskiy/Reuters

Disabled Man Not Admitted to Ice Hockey World Championship Match Because He “Walked Funny”Rosbalt
May 17, 2016

Roman Mironov, a Category I disabled man, was unable to attend a Ice Hockey World Championship match, despite the fact he had a complimentary ticket. He told his story to Rosbalt.

“I was given a complimentary ticket, because I am a volunteer and help people with disabilities. I decided to go to a hockey match at Yubileiny Arena [in Petersburg], but the police turned me away, saying I ‘walked funny.’ I asked them to substantiate their actions, but they refused to give me an explanation. I showed them my ticket, but they did not even want to look at it.”

According to Mironov, this was not the first time he had not been admitted to public events.

“There have been cases when I have not been admitted to public celebrations and football matches,” he said.

Mironov has childhood cerebral palsy, because of which, he admits, he has been the target of discrimination on more than one occasion.

The Russian Federal Interior Ministry officially announced that police do not exercise checkpoint and admission functions at sporting events.

“It should be noted the police’s job at sporting events, including the hockey championships, is solely to ensure public order,” the Interior Ministry said.

The Ice Hockey World Championship kicked off in Petersburg on May 6 and winds up on May 22.